Dolton fountain reopens after nearly six years, drawing residents to weekly stepping nights

A presenter said Mayor Jason House made restoring Dolton’s central fountain an early priority, and the renovated feature drew residents back for an evening of music, vendors and stepping dances last week.

The gathering revived a tradition the presenter credited to former Mayor William Bill Shaw, who led the city from 1997 to 2008. "It was a beautiful evening filled with fellowship, fun, and community pride," the presenter said, describing neighbors who came with lawn chairs and coolers to enjoy food trucks, live music and line dancing.

Organizers invited residents to make the fountain a regular Thursday-evening destination; the presenter said stepping at the fountain will occur every Thursday except July 2. The announcement emphasized community building and local culture as goals of the revived series.

City officials did not provide specifics about funding, long-term maintenance plans or the number of attendees during the reopened event in the recorded remarks. The presenter closed the announcement with music accompanying the description of the evening.